Hill Climbers: Aides Job Focus Is Outside D.C.

Crystal Feldman was recently hired as press secretary for the House Natural Resources Committee.

Feldman then got involved in the California State Republican Party as a spokeswoman, handling several local and federal campaigns. She said learning to balance the interests of the party with the interests of a campaign was challenging but useful.

After the November elections, Feldman decided it was time to fulfill her desire to work on the Hill, especially because House Republicans won back the majority. She landed her post with the committee in March.

She isn’t the only press secretary in the office. The committee has two: one to focus on inside the Beltway and one to focus outside of it. Feldman’s responsibilities fall into the latter category.

“We really want to get our message out to the average Joe,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard because you get into the D.C.-centric mentality.”

But Feldman’s diverse experience in campaigns, state parties and lobbying has helped her think outside the box — and the Beltway — in her new role as press secretary.

Submit news of hires and promotions on Capitol Hill to Hill Climbers here.